Waymo faces safety scrutiny as self-driving car incidents rise

Waymo has increased its self-driving car rides to over 150,000 per week, tripling since June 2024. The company operates in four cities, with Phoenix having the largest area. However, safety concerns are rising as incidents involving human drivers and Waymo vehicles are reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 31 crash reports involving Waymo cars, citing "unexpected driving behaviors" that could lead to accidents. Waymo has faced scrutiny after two voluntary recalls this year due to crashes in Phoenix. Waymo's remote assistance system allows human operators to intervene when cars encounter difficulties. The company claims its technology improves over time, but the frequency of human interventions remains unclear. The NHTSA continues to monitor safety in advanced vehicle technologies.